1. Footprints across the Territory 1 Remote Alcohol & Other Drugs Workforce Northern Territory Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

2. Footprints across the Territory The aim of this presentation 2  To understand what can happen to babies in the womb if the mother drinks alcohol when pregnant  To learn how the growth and development of the baby can be affected at birth and in the future  Understand how it can affect family and community

3. Footprints across the Territory What is FASD Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a term used for a group of conditions caused by exposure to alcohol Each condition is based on the appearance of particular features which are unique to the person. There can be a combination of physical, developmental and/or behavioural symptoms 3

4. Footprints across the Territory 4 The FASD Spectrum FAS Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Where a child has problems with growth learning, has distinctive facial features and structural abnormalities pFAS Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Where a child has some but not all, features reported in FAS ARND Alcohol related neuro- development disorder Refers to children with learning and behaviour problems related to alcohol exposure ARBD Alcohol related birth defects Refer to babies born with organ damage like heart or kidneys related to alcohol exposure

5. Footprints across the Territory FASD is a disability FASD is the leading cause of intellectual disability in the world FASD is referred to as the ‘invisible disability’ as it often goes undetected. 5

6. Footprints across the Territory Why is Alcohol a problem Alcohol is a poison When you drink alcohol so does the baby Alcohol easily passes from the mother through the placenta to reaches the baby 6

7. Footprints across the Territory Why is alcohol a problem The fetus does not have the ability to process to alcohol like the mother can Alcohol can cause miscarriage Alcohol harms a baby’s brain and body 7 Why is alcohol a problem

8. Footprints across the Territory Pregnancy and other drugs – Tobacco & Gunja Smoking tobacco while pregnant can cause the baby to born too small, to early and have breathing problems Smoking Gunja while pregnant can cause health problems for the baby. Remember - What ever the pregnant Mother smokes the baby smokes 8

9. Footprints across the Territory Breast feeding and Drugs 9 When a breast feeding women smokes cannabis or drinks alcohol the drug can be present in breast milk When the baby drinks the milk the cannabis and alcohol can effect the baby’s health and growth development

10. Footprints across the Territory How can FASD be prevented If a Woman is Sexually active Planning to have a baby Is pregnant Breastfeeding No Alcohol is the best way 10

11. Footprints across the Territory How FASD can affect a Community Long term care needs like foster care Employment hard to get and maintain Potential & on going contact with the justice system Can be socially isolated due issues of mental and/or alcohol and other drug issues Children are the future of the community 11

12. Footprints across the Territory How FASD can effect a Family Individuals with FASD need a lot of extra attention and support Dependent on Family for longer Behaviour management issues Problems with learning and making changes 12

13. Footprints across the Territory How FASD affects a Child 13

14. Footprints across the Territory How FASD affects a Child 14

15. Footprints across the Territory How FASD affects a child 15

16. Footprints across the Territory How FASD affects a child intellectual disabilities - the has brain not developed properly learning disabilities - problems reading, writing and learning new things poor impulse control - may take risks before others do language deficits - have trouble with speaking and learning new words memory deficits - trouble remembering & thing recounting events poor social adaptability - have trouble fitting in, making friends 16

17. Footprints across the Territory Diagnosis of FASD There is no specific medical test for FASD Diagnosis relies on a Doctor establishing a child’s exposure to alcohol during pregnancy, and assessing the child for the features of FASD using the diagnostic criteria for FASD conditions 17

18. Footprints across the Territory Things to remember There is no cure for FASD and its effects last a lifetime. A person with FASD can get help with their learning and behaviour to maximise their independence and achievements. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women should avoid alcohol The Federal Government guidelines recommend that for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking is the safest option 18

19. Footprints across the Territory Who can help If you are worried about drinking while pregnant or worried about a family member you can see a Remote AOD Worker (RAODW) Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) Clinic Nurse Clinic Doctor 19

20. Footprints across the Territory How can people access these services Call the health centre in your town and make an appointment Come and see us at the health centre to make an appointment Your Doctor or Nurse can refer you to the AOD Workers 20 Ngurra Tjutaku Palyapayi: everyone’s home, working together for good.

21. Footprints across the Territory The endAny Questions Thankyou for listening If you would like to know about Remote AOD Workforce Program and our resources: Please call us on (08) 8958 2503 Or visit the website www.remoteaod.com.au 21